New Gladiators Announced

Posted by K.C. Morgan Categories: Prime Time, Reality, NBC, Renewals

In an action-packed two-hour finale, the two American Gladiators champions were crowned Sunday night. I expected more tough events and plenty of competition, but much of the broadcast was soaked with longer contender interviews, replays of favorite moments from the show and lengthy segments on the four competitors at home.

Twenty minutes were gone in the broadcast before NBC finally gave me what I wanted - an event. The gladiators were in top form, making it difficult for any of the contenders to score points. Lightning-quick Evan Dollard did wow the audience with a spectacularly quick climb up The Wall, for the third time in the show’s history. “Soccer mom” Monica Carlson scored big in Assault, sending Gladiator Helga flying from the platform to smack a pool of water. Quickly, it all started to come down to the Eliminator - the obstacle course that’s broken so many competitors throughout the season.

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Read More | Chicago Tribune

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Hulk Hogan Scheduled to Host ‘American Gladiators’

Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Reality, Sports, NBC

As I reported several weeks ago, NBC will be introducing an updated version of American Gladiators.  At the time, I said the classic series reminded me of Iron Chef+Battle of the Network Stars+WWE.  Well, apparently wrestling wasn’t such an original analogy; word has it a former wrestler will now be hosting it.

According to TV Week, Hulk Hogan has been tapped for the emcee duties.  The WWF WWE celebrity and Hogan Knows Best star is reportedly committed to the project and is currently finalizing the deal.  As for the Gladiators who will terrorize the naive competitors, those roles are still being cast.

Be looking for the reality competition sometime mid-season.

Read More | TV Week

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The Return of ‘American Gladiators’

Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Action, Prime Time, Reality, Sports, Cable, NBC, Renewals

The sick voyeur in me has always loved seeing Average Joes fight for their lives—which probably explains why Schwarzenegger’s The Running Man still remains a guilty pleasure for me to this day.  This fascination also fueled my enthusiasm for the horribly addictive show from the 90’s known as American Gladiators.

The series pitted male and female contestants against the Gladiators who reigned over their arena.  The poor souls would do their best to score points by navigating various obstacle courses.  They would also try and avoid being taken down along the way.  I would compare the show to Iron Chef+Battle of the Network Stars+WWE.

Gladiators, which ended its run in 1996, is now being resurrected by NBC as a mid-season addition.  Unfortunately, the show will be subject to an ‘updating’....which could mean just about anything.  (Having tried to watch Battle of the Network Reality Stars, I’m hesitant about anything that’s tweaked).

Here’s to hoping that some of my favorite challenges like The Assault and Breakthrough & Conquer will return.  If not, I may have to turn to the re-runs currently airing on ESPN Classic.

What were your favorite challenges?  How about your favorite Gladiators?  Let us know!

Click here for an update to this story.

Read More | Variety

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